Christy Moore started in the music business in the mid-sixties, when his life as a bank clerk was interrupted by a bank strike, and he moved to England. There he became involved in the folk music scene at the time, and spent a few years playing pubs and clubs around the country.
His return to Ireland was marked by the album 'Prosperous', which proved to be a milestone in the rapprochement of Irish music to the popular mainstream. This album benefited from a collaboration of the leading talents of contemporary folk music, musicians such as Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny and Liam O'Flynn, and this one-off was to lead to the formation of Planxty, a band who were soon to be at the leading edge of the revival of Irish traditional music.
Over the following years the musical status of Planxty became legendary both in Ireland, Britain and throughout Europe. However in 1974 the band split up to pursue solo projects. It was during this period that Christy continued to explore new ground as a solo artist recording a number of solo albums including 'The Iron Behind the Velvet' (TARACD2002) which featured Andy Irvine and 'Live in Dublin' (TARACD2005) with Donal Lunny.
The original Planxty lineup of Christy, Andy, Liam and Donal then reformed in 1979. They recorded two further albums with Tara Records 'After the Break' (TARACD3001) and 'The Woman I Loved So Well' (TARACD3005). There were several additions and changes to their lineup most notably the addition of Matt Molloy, flautist from The Bothy Band, who later joined The Chieftains, and Bill Whelan.
In 1981 Planxty performed a Bill Whelan arrangement called 'Timedance' as the intermission piece for the Eurovision song contest, held that year in Ireland. Later it was released as a single and is now included on Bill's CD of 'The Seville Suite' (TARACD3030) released by Tara in 1992.
In the eighties Christy again teamed up with Donal Lunny to form Moving Hearts, another ambitious and innovative Irish band which sought to mix jazz into the folk-rock fusion. Ever the wanderer, Christy was soon breaking out on his own again, and it was in the eighties that he began to establish himself as one of Ireland's leading solo artists with a string of acclaimed albums and high profile tours.
In the mid-nineties Christy decided to take a break from the music for a few years. In the year 2000 Christy return to live performances with a series of Dublin concerts. Over the last few years he has released a number of solo projects including a television series, a live album and a 6 CD boxset.
Wicklow Boy
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"I′m innocent", a voice was heard to say
"My frame-up is almost completed
My people all look the other way. "
Seven years ago his torture started
A forced confession he was made to sign
Young Irish men specially trained and chosen
Others in the Bridewell heard him screaming
Even prison doctors could see
His injuries were not self-inflicted
Those who tipped the scales did not agree
Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key?
Deprived of human rights by his own people
Sickened by injustice he jumped bail
In the Appalachian Mountains found a welcome
Till his co-accused were both released from jail
He came back expecting to get justice
Special Branch took him from the plane
For five years we've deprived him of his freedom
The guilty jeer the innocent again
Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key?
The people versus Kelly was the title
Of the farce we staged at his appeal
Puppets in well rehearsed collusion
I often wonder how these men must feel
As I walked past Portlaoise Prison
Through concrete and steel a whisper came
"My frame-up is almost completed
I′m innocent, Nicky Kelly is my name. "
Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key?
The lyrics to Christy Moore's song "Wicklow Boy" shed light on a story of injustice and the struggle for freedom. The song focuses on the plight of a man named Nicky Kelly, who claims his innocence while being imprisoned in Portlaoise Prison.
The first verse highlights Kelly's plea of innocence as he walks past the prison. He expresses frustration that his pleas for justice are being ignored by the people and authorities around him, who turn a blind eye to his situation.
The second verse reveals that Kelly's ordeal started seven years ago when he was forced to sign a confession. He is implied to have been a victim of a setup orchestrated by a group of young Irish men. These men, described as being "specially trained and chosen," form a heavy gang that forces Kelly to work on a line.
The third verse suggests that other prisoners in Bridewell Prison could hear Kelly's screams of pain. Even the prison doctors recognize that his injuries are not self-inflicted. However, those who have the power to investigate and rectify the situation refuse to acknowledge his claims.
The fourth verse highlights Kelly's deprivation of human rights by his own people. Frustrated by the injustice, he jumps bail and finds refuge in the Appalachian Mountains. Once his co-accused are released from jail, he returns with the expectation of receiving justice. However, instead of finding relief, he is taken into custody by the Special Branch.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the plea to give the Wicklow Boy, referring to Nicky Kelly, his freedom and restore his liberty. It questions the moral integrity of leaving him in chains while the people responsible for framing him go unpunished.
The final verse brings attention to the farcical nature of Kelly's appeal trial, titled "The People versus Kelly." The lyrics imply that the trial was a rehearsed collusion, where the outcome was predetermined to maintain a false facade of justice. The song ends with Kelly's voice echoing from within Portlaoise Prison, reasserting his innocence and declaring his name.
In summary, "Wicklow Boy" is a protest song that addresses the unjust treatment and imprisonment of Nicky Kelly. It sheds light on the corruption, indifference, and collusion within the Irish justice system. It serves as a plea for Kelly's freedom and the need to hold those responsible for his false imprisonment accountable.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walked past Portlaoise Prison
While passing by Portlaoise Prison, observing the surrounding environment
"I′m innocent", a voice was heard to say
A voice expressed innocence, claiming to be unjustly accused
"My frame-up is almost completed
Referring to being falsely implicated, with the plan nearly finished
My people all look the other way. "
His community and supporters are avoiding acknowledging his situation
Seven years ago his torture started
The torment inflicted upon him began seven years ago
A forced confession he was made to sign
He was coerced into signing a confession against his will
Young Irish men specially trained and chosen
Irish men, specifically selected and prepared for a particular purpose
Were on the heavy gang that made him run the line
They were part of a group that enforced physical labor upon him
Others in the Bridewell heard him screaming
People in the Bridewell (prison) were aware of his screams for help
Even prison doctors could see
Even the doctors in the prison recognized the evidence of his injuries
His injuries were not self-inflicted
His wounds were inflicted by others, not caused by himself
Those who tipped the scales did not agree
People with influence disagreed with the evidence or ignored it
Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Grant the Wicklow Boy his release from captivity
Give him back his liberty
Restore his freedom and autonomy
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
Or will we allow him to remain imprisoned
While those who framed him up hold the key?
Meanwhile, the individuals responsible for his false accusations retain control over his fate
Deprived of human rights by his own people
His own community denied him basic human rights
Sickened by injustice he jumped bail
Repulsed by the unfairness, he chose to evade his legal obligations
In the Appalachian Mountains found a welcome
He sought refuge and acceptance in the Appalachian Mountains
Till his co-accused were both released from jail
Until his fellow defendants were freed from imprisonment
He came back expecting to get justice
Returning with the anticipation of receiving rightful legal treatment
Special Branch took him from the plane
The Special Branch intercepted him upon his arrival
For five years we've deprived him of his freedom
For the past five years, he has been unjustly denied his liberty
The guilty jeer the innocent again
Those who are guilty mock and ridicule the innocent once more
The people versus Kelly was the title
The legal case was known as 'The People versus Kelly'
Of the farce we staged at his appeal
Describing the mockery and deceit that took place during his appeal hearing
Puppets in well-rehearsed collusion
Individuals manipulated through coordinated deception and cooperation
I often wonder how these men must feel
Reflecting on the emotions experienced by those involved in the injustice
Through concrete and steel a whisper came
Amidst the prison's solid structure, a soft voice could be heard
"My frame-up is almost completed
The false incrimination against me is nearing its conclusion
I′m innocent, Nicky Kelly is my name. "
Identifying the singer as Nicky Kelly, claiming innocence and denying involvement
Writer(s): Christy Moore
Contributed by Isaac S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Oisin feehilly
on By Barna
Hellow Lady, Can I borrow your teddy
Samuel Joseph Donnelly
on Whacker Humphries
Ask "whacker" about the Provo they marched on and set up for votes in council elections- set up by a brasser from the Barn named Lilly Healy- 18 fucking years in blocks/cages/ torture centres and back stabbed by wannabes from Dublin! Between Active service ( killing etc whacker in case you didn't know!!
Chloe Mcl
on Hey Paddy
Is that the words Brendan O'Carroll sing